| 释义 |
vernier|ˈvɜːnɪə(r)|
[From the name of the inventor, Paul Vernier (1580–1637), a French mathematician, who described the device in a tract on the Quadrant Nouveau de Mathématiques published in 1631.]
1. a. A device, consisting of a short movable scale, by which more minute measurements may be readily obtained from the divisions of the graduated scale of astronomical, surveying, or other mathematical instruments to which it is attached.
Sometimes erroneously called a nonius (q.v.).
1766Instruct. for Hadley's Quadrant 17 A scale of divisions graduated on the chamfered edge or sloped side of the index, which scale is called the vernier. 1774M. Mackenzie Maritime Surv. 28 It would likewise be an Advantage if the Vernier was made to give every Minute of a Degree, in place of four or five, as in most Theodolites. 1798Phil. Trans. LXXXVIII. 473 Another small slip of ivory is placed at each end of the arm, serving as a vernier, and subdividing these divisions into five parts. 1815J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 26 The scale of variation is furnished with an instrument called a vernier or nonius. 1856Kane Arct. Explor. I. xiii. 144 Though I had much clear weather we barely succeeded by magnifiers in reading the verniers. 1888Rutley Rock-Forming Min. 18 For very exact work, the circle may be divided to half degrees, and a vernier may be employed.
b. attrib. and Comb., as vernier circle, vernier division, vernier piece, vernier plate, vernier scale, etc.
Also with the names of instruments or tools having a vernier scale or attachment, as vernier caliper, vernier compass, vernier transit (Knight Dict. Mech.).
1788Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3) II. 587/2 The first division of the vernier piece marked 15. 1797Ibid. XVIII. 644/1 Vernier scale, a scale excellently adapted for the graduation of mathematical instruments. 1843Penny Cycl. XXVI. 267/1 In order to read off the hundredths of an inch which the vernier zero advances beyond any tenth in the scale, we have merely to see what vernier division comes nearest to a division of the scale. 1862Catal. Internat. Exhib., Brit. II. No. 2947, The vernier plate is carried on four arms, and a diagonal brace. Ibid., The horizontal limb, vernier circle, &c. 1884Knight Dict. Mech. Suppl. 925/2 Vernier Scale sight (Rifle), a hind sight with a vernier scale for accurate adjustment. 1884F. J. Britten Watch & Clockm. 148 To the bottom of the stock of a Vernier slide guage he attaches a spring.
2. Astronautics. Used attrib. and absol. to designate a small auxiliary rocket engine for effecting minor changes in the velocity or attitude of a spacecraft.
1958Observer 12 Oct. 1/2 Eight small ‘vernier’, or guidance rockets,..had been fitted to Pioneer. Any or all of these could be fired from the earth to make any necessary correction in the final phase of the flight. 1960Aeroplane XCVIII. 562/1 In its nose would be a third stage employing low-thrust ‘vernier’ rocket motors. 1968A. C. Clarke 2001 xxxv. 184 The main thrust died and only the verniers continued to nudge Discovery gently into orbit. 1968Sci. Jrnl. Nov. 76/2 The rocket..had no fewer than 20 main thrust chambers and 12 swivelling verniers—small motors for fine control of speed and direction. 1979J. W. Cornelisse Rocket Propulsion & Spaceflight Dynamics x. 212 A third method to ensure ignition after coasting is the use of small (Vernier) rockets, which give the vehicle a sufficiently large acceleration to position the propellant at the sump. |